the goan I network
MARGAO
A 10-man FC Goa achieved what they set out to do, as they edged past a seven-man Sudeva Football Club 2-1 in the concluding Group A Elite League Under-18 final round match at SAG Ground, Utorda on Thursday.
The win put the Goan side with 7 points from 3 matches at top of the group as the Young Gaurs qualified for the quarterfinals, where they will meet SAI on February 2.
Backed by the home crowd, FC Goa dominated the game and had the first major chance to break the deadlock in the 4th minute when striker Joybert Almeida’s attempted volley inside the box went just above the crossbar. On the other hand, Sudeva played scrappy and more physical football.
The visitors had a chance in the 12th minute when striker Rishab Giri sped down into the penalty box but fumbled with his shot in front of the FC Goa goal. Sudeva suffered a major blow when their goalkeeper Sachin Jha was ejected by referee A Arun Chakkaravathi for deliberately blocking the ball in the 37th minute.
FC Goa broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when defender Rayan Roger Menezes’ free kick beat substitute goalkeeper Mohit Chowikar. With just three minutes to go for the half time, Sudeva captain and defender Mohit Singh was shown a red card by the referee for a vicious tackle on an opponent.
FC Goa untlised the numerical advantage after the break, but the visitors found a great chance to equalise but Rishab Giri failed to beat FC Goa goalkeeper Manav Baraskhar in a one-on-one situation. In the 78th minute, attacking midfielder Sweeden Fernandes picked up the ball from Brison Fernandes and sent a snap shot into the net, 2-0.
Despite enjoying a two-man advantage, FC Goa did not finish off the job as they missed numerous scoring chances. It hurt them when Sudeva substitute Vishal Gurang scored for the visitors to make things interesting at the end. However, any hopes of making an unlikely comeback were dashed when substitute midfielder T C Lallawmzuala was red carded after receiving his second yellow. FC Goa were also reduced to 10 men when midfielder Precio D’Souza was sent off for a second booking in the injury time.
